[Kim Maengnyoung's Golf English Conversation] "Are You a 'NIOP'?"

Published 08 Jan.2020 08:26(KST)

'NIOP' is a term used to tease power hitters.

"You're a great driver."

This is the compliment amateur golfers most want to hear from their playing partners. At last year's World Long Drive Championship, the men's winner hit a drive of an astonishing 407 yards, while the women's winner reached 370 yards. Among amateurs, only those with athletic backgrounds in sports like baseball, shot put, or ice hockey can usually hit impressive long drives of over 300 yards. Everyone admires their distance with envy and offers praise.

However, there are no famous professional golfers known solely for their long drives. This is because golf requires not only distance but also a variety of delicate and sophisticated skills. Such long hitters are often playfully called "beast," "gorilla," or "monster." The term "NIOP" also applies to these players. It stands for "No Intelligence Only Power," referring to a long hitter who relies solely on strength rather than finesse. Of course, "NIOP" is a term you can only use with someone you are fairly close to.

It is definitely off-limits when meeting someone for the first time or when addressing advanced players. For reference, "Let it all hang out!" means "Give it everything you've got on your drive." To suggest a long drive contest on the 7th hole, you would say, "Let's play a long drive contest on the 7th hole." Notable long hitters on the PGA Tour include Dustin Johnson and Bubba Watson (both from the United States), and Jason Day (Australia). Their average driving distance is 330 yards, and when they really go for it, they can hit well over 380 yards, which is truly remarkable.

A: NIOP! What a super drive! Looks like it went over 300 yards.

B: Thanks. I hit it on the sweet spot.

A: How far do you usually hit your drives?

B: About 280 yards on average.

A: That's a pretty long distance for weekend golfers.